MERLOT Learning Materials

The materials in MERLOT are categorized as follows:

• Simulation: Approximates a real or imaginary experience where users' actions affect their outcomes. Users determine and input initial conditions that generate output that is different from and changed by the initial conditions.
• Animation: Allows users to view the dynamic and visual representation of concepts, models, processes, and/or phenomena in space or time. Users can control their pace and movement through the material, but they cannot determine and/or influence the initial conditions or their outcomes/results.
• Tutorial: Users navigate through electronic workbooks designed to meet stated learning objectives, structured to impart specific concepts or skills, and organized sequentially to integrate conceptual presentation, demonstration, practice, and testing.
• Drill and Practice: Requires users to respond repeatedly to questions or stimuli presented in a variety of sequences. Users practice on their own, at their own pace, to develop their ability to reliably perform and demonstrate the target knowledge and skills.
• Quiz/Test: Any assessment device intended to serve as a test or quiz.
• Lecture/Presentation: Any material intended for use in support of in-class lectures/presentations. Lecture notes, audio visual materials, and presentation graphics such as PowerPoint slide shows that do not stand alone are examples.
• Case Study: Illustrates a concept or problem by using an example that can be explored in depth.
• Collection: Any collection of learning materials such as web sites or subject specific applets.
• Reference Material: Material with no specific instructional objectives and similar to that found in the reference area of a library. Subject specific directories to other sites, texts, or general information are examples.
• Learning Object Repository: A searchable database of at least 100 online resources that is available on the Internet and whose search result displays an ordered hit list of items with a minimum of title metadata. What is not a LOR: a webpage with a list of links.
• Online Course: A material that is designed to be used in an online course.
• Workshop and Training Material: Materials best used in a workshop or tutorial for the purpose of teaching others about learning and teaching online.

The learning materials in MERLOT are organized into discipline "communities".